A Golden Summer Day - Facebook Prize

With the latest winter storm leaving the USA I thought it would be fun to share this photograph taken in the dog days of summer. This was the choice of Glenda Ganis of Los Angeles, California, who won this 8x10 by participating on my Facebook page. Congratulations Glenda!

If you would like a chance to win one of my fine art photographs then head over to Facebook and "like" my page. That is where the fun happens. Then when the next contest rolls around you will be ready to win!

Stay warm my friends!

Golden Bliss
A dog days of summer photo of an inviting front porch next to a perennial garden full of flowers and a golden retriever dog basking in the warm light.
click here for more information on this photo

Etsy JulieMagersSoulen

February 2011 Free Desktop Wallpaper Calendar

For the February 2011 wallpaper calendar I chose a harbinger of spring. I had decided to do flowers for the calendar this year and had to ponder what flower blooms in February? Then I remembered that the amaryllis bulbs in my home bloom in February. I liked that this perfect crimson flower had a tiny vein of white. It gave it a personality all its own in my mind.

You might have noticed that I have expanded the number of monitor sizes available and have also offered one for an iPhone4. I hope you find the perfect version for your use and enjoy this splash of red in the month of love.

download your free desktop wallpaper calendar for February 2011
1024x768 1280x800 1280x1024 iPhone4

Easy Instructions
After clicking on the size you want
you will be at my Flickr page. Simply click on
"Download the Original size of this photo."
The file will then download to your desktop or iPhone4!

Etsy JulieMagersSoulen

Framed Red Flower Photo - Tropical Beauty

It was a warm summer day when I took this photograph of a coral red hibiscus. The bushy plant with dark waxy leaves was peppered with beautiful blossoms that day. The flowers only last for a day before they shrivel and drop, but their short life is brilliant. My hibiscus lives inside now as it would not survive the bitter cold Colorado winter. It musters up one little pale blossom occasionally. But I know that this summer it will burst forth in all its beauty once again.

Tropical Beauty Framed OOAK

My Colorado photography studio is featuring a one of a kind double matted and framed photo of a luscious coral red tropical hibiscus on a dark background.

click here for purhase information on this one of a kind framed photograph

If you are interested in a 5x7 unframed fine art photograph of this image check here.

Do not forget to order your Valentine note cards. Valentine's Day is only three weeks away!
Click here to find out how to purchase these note cards today.

Etsy JulieMagersSoulen

Redstone Winter - Colorado Landscape Photography

The winter wind is sharp today but the sun is bright as I walk down the dusty dry dirt road. It is unusual to be so dry in January. The warm sun is welcome none the less and takes the sting out of the cold air. The white bare trunks of the cottonwood trees catch my attention as they stand out prominently against the red sandstone cliff that gives this valley its name, Redstone Canyon. My home.

Redstone Winter
The valley of Redstone Canyon is named for the beautiful red sandstone cliffs found there. A winter stand of cottonwood trees with their white bark showing prominently provides a contrast against the sandstone cliff.
click here for purchase information on this 11x14 photograph

Etsy JulieMagersSoulen

Framed Black and White Nature Photo - Dreaming of Spring

This year I am offering "ready to hang," one of a kind, framed pieces of fine art photography for your home decor. Let me do the work of finding the perfect frame and mat to go with my photography. My first piece is perfect for a gift or small space in your home. The silhouette of a small bird resting in a thicket of tree branches against a stormy spring sky is elegantly double matted in black in an 8x10 black frame.

I have lots of ideas and combinations to work on in the next several weeks. Let me know if you like this idea of offering my photography ready to hang right out of the box. Thanks!

Dreaming of Spring Framed OOAK
My Colorado photography studio is featuring a one of a kind black matted and framed photo of a small bird silhouette resting on tree branches against a gray storm clouded sky. The 3.5x5 photo is elegantly double matted in black and in an 8x10 black frame.
click here for purchase information on the one of a kind framed fine art photograph

Dreaming of Spring 5x7 Photograph
My Colorado photography studio is featuring a black and white photo of a small bird silhouette resting on tree branches against a gray storm clouded sky.
click here for purchase information on the 5x7 fine art photograph

Etsy JulieMagersSoulen

A Healthy Start with a Bowl of Berries

Last year I lost 17 pounds. I gained a couple back over the holidays but I am getting back to better habits again. The Christmas cookies are gone! I have no doubt I will lose the last few pounds and be back to the weight I was in my twenties. No kidding! You may ask how I am doing this. The easiest answer is quality homemade food; no sugar, no white flour, no food in a box. It is satisfying, nourishing and weight reducing. And I could not feel more energetic. If you would like to know more details on how you can lose those excess holiday pounds I highly recommend the "South Beach Diet." It is a healthy plan and has worked for me. Now I'm going to make this luscious bowl of berries disappear!

Berries
A bowl of fresh red raspberries and blueberries splashed with milk
makes a healthy breakfast still life.
click here for purchase information on this photograph

Etsy JulieMagersSoulen

A Colorado Christmas Celebration

My family celebrates the Christmas holiday and we are now just one week away. It is time to finish up any last minute preparations and get ready to make merry. I am taking some time off to relax and enjoy my family. My 81 year old mom is visiting and we love to gab and catch up. Ric will be baking frosted sugar cookies that rival Martha Stewart's and Tara will be joining in on all of the above! So I'll wish you a joyous holiday with your loved ones and see you after Christmas! Peace, Julie

My Rocky Mountain home with a fresh dusting of snow.

A festive table sets the mood for Christmas dinner.
Grandma is hiding in the background.

A collection of plush white Christmas bears adds a bit of whimsy.

Oh Tannenbaum!

Fort Collins, Colorado twinkles with its own parade of lights in the distance.

That's me hiding behind the tree.
See you soon!

Etsy JulieMagersSoulen

Icy Forest in Northern Colorado

My boots crunched on the icy crust of snow. My breath steamed. The dogs' whiskers stood out in frosty contrast to their dark coats. My camera was inside my coat, warm and ready for the shot I was after. I had arrived. I took my camera out, pulled off my mittens, and fumbled with the settings as my hands stiffened in the frigid air. Satisfied that I had captured the moment, I put the camera back inside my coat and pulled my mittens back on over numb fingers. Calling to the romping dogs I turned and then headed back up the steep incline with thoughts of returning to my warm home and crackling fire. You may want to have a cup of hot chocolate ready when you view this shot.

Icy Forest
A snowy Rocky Mountain pine forest with an icy patina in Northern Colorado.
click here for purchase information on this photo

Etsy JulieMagersSoulen

Aspen Light in Black and White

You might recognize this photograph. It is not entirely new to my portfolio. What is new is the presentation. I was recently requested to change a couple of my most popular color photographs to black and white. And to make things even more interesting this person wanted squares. I love a challenge so I said I would play around and see what happened. The original photograph is here too so that you can compare. Tell me what you think.

Thank you Mark in southern California for being my muse!

Aspen Light BW
My Colorado photography studio is featuring a black and white photo of an aspen tree filled meadow with their white bark dappled in light.
click here for purchase information on this photograph

Aspen Light

Here is the original color and crop of the fine art photograph, Aspen Light.
click here for purchase information on this photograph

Etsy JulieMagersSoulen

Mountain Majesty in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado

The sky was a beautiful blue with white puffy clouds when we headed down the mountain. The view was snow capped mountain tops as far as you could see. The air, even though summer, had a raw bite that reminded you with each step that you were at the mercy of a landscape that had no mercy or pity for your human frailty. It is a feeling of smallness and at the same time a feeling of being connected to all the wonder about you.

A storm front approached and it was time to leave lest we be reminded again of our short comings. I looked up just in time to see the approaching clouds create an angle that matched the mountains perfectly creating a zig zag window in the vista. Do you see it? Then in an instant the clouds obscured the amazing view and we retreated to safety below. I hope you enjoyed this little diversion and my newest black and white photography.

Click here to see more of my black and white photography .

Mountain Majesty
The rugged Rocky Mountains of Colorado rise up to touch the storm clouds creating interesting matching angles. View from Mount Evans, Colorado
click here for purchase information on this photograph

Etsy JulieMagersSoulen

December 2010 Free Desktop Wallpaper Calendar

December 2010 is almost here. And if you are like me you are busy with all the preparations to make your holidays special. I hope that my wallpaper calendars make your life a tiny bit easier and fun. I wish you much joy and happiness each and every day. Happy Holidays!

download your free desktop wallpaper calendar for December 2010 here

Easy Instructions
After clicking on the above link
you will be at my Flickr page. Simply click on
"Download the Original size of this photo."
The file will then download to your desktop!

If you have enjoyed this year's desktop calendars you may also like the 2011 Landscapes of the West Wall Calendar. Most of the images you have enjoyed this past year are included in this handy wall calendar where you can save all your important dates. Each photo is featured in beautiful glossy full color. This is a limited printing of twenty and each calendar is signed. Click on the link below to find out all the details and purchase your copy today.

2011 Landscapes of the West Wall Calendar purchase information

Etsy JulieMagersSoulen

Happy Thanksgiving 2010!

Happy Thanksgiving to all my friends! I wish each of you a warm day surrounded by friends and family. May you enjoy your favorite traditional meal and eat your fill. May you smile and laugh with glee. May you get warm embraces and know you are loved. Know that I treasure your visits and send happiness your way. Hugs, Julie

This young hen turkey decides she likes the large male turkey that struts for her and tentatively approaches him for a closer look. This little dance was happening in our driveway last spring.

Etsy JulieMagersSoulen

Blustery Day - Colorado Rocky Mountains

It was a blustery day in the northern Colorado Rockies. This view from our deck, looking southeast, is often the direction we see weather coming and at times it can be dramatic. A small snow squall was heading toward our home quite quickly and I ran outside to shoot some photos before the sunny blue sky was covered by the cloud of swirling snow. The wind likes to follow the contours of the land and the first icy finger of the small storm raced up the ravine next to our home. I admit it. I love watching weather!

Blustery Day
A snow squall blows through a pine forest under a blue winter sky in northern Colorado.
click here for more information on this photo

Etsy JulieMagersSoulen

Mountain Valley View - Colorado Rocky Mountains

It is the first snowfall. It arrived late this year and followed a sunny summery autumn. So imagine the shockingly cold surprise and sparkling white beauty of this season's first snow. As I breathed in the prickly fine air the world about me seemed new. The sun was catching the fine crystals setting off brilliant sparks on each tree and bush. As I looked down our mountain valley to distant peaks all the shades of winter's blue were around me. My favorite color. I hope you enjoy it too.

Mountain Valley View
The distant hazy blue Rocky Mountains of Colorado are seen through a picture frame of snow clad pines.
click here for more information on this photo

Etsy JulieMagersSoulen

Copper Cascades, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

There is something soothing about the sound of water trickling over rock. It is a natural background for deep thought and meditation. It has the power to transport and instantly relax. This wild mountain creek is the beginning of the Fall River in Rocky Mountain National Park. I can imagine by now, with the snow steadily falling outside, that it is frozen in an icy cold beauty. Its voice has been silenced, but I know that just as nature awakens in the spring its music will return.

Copper Cascades
Sun glistening rivulets of water cascade over a russet colored rock in coppery streams of color in a dynamic wild mountain river. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
click here for more information on this photo

Etsy JulieMagersSoulen

November 2010 Free Desktop Wallpaper Calendar

November's calendar is a shot I took near my home in Larimer County, Colorado. This beautiful red sandstone mesa stands as a gateway to Redstone Canyon. The large old cottonwoods at the base of the mesa follow an intermittent creek bed and add seasonal color to the ancient sea bed. I particularly like to shoot photography when the weather is uncertain to get interesting effects and this foggy day transformed the landscape into muted shapes and colors. If you like this photo you might also like these similar foggy photos below. Happy November!

download your free desktop wallpaper calendar for November 2010 here

Easy Instructions
After clicking on the above link
you will be at my Flickr page. Simply click on
"Download the Original size of this photo."
The file will then download to your desktop!

Click on any of the following photos to find out purchase information.

Etsy JulieMagersSoulen

Rocky Mountain National Park Landscapes - Lawn Lake Trail

On July 15, 1982 an earthen dam in Rocky Mountain National Park failed resulting in the death of three campers and $31 million in property damage in Estes Park, Colorado. The reason I mention the Lawn Lake Flood is because after 28 years the area, though still scarred, also has amazing beauty. This past summer I enjoyed hiking the trail once again. The debris of giant boulders and logs are sprinkled with wildflowers and new life. Mother nature inspires us with her healing resilience once again.

Mountain View
A distant peak in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado is seen through a pine forest with purple wildflowers blooming near fallen tree trunks.
click here for more information on this photo

Lawn Lake Trail
Purple wildflowers grow amongst rocks and weathered logs on the Lawn Lake Trail in Rocky Mountain NP, Colorado.
click here for more information on this photo

Etsy JulieMagersSoulen